Contemporary Art: Folklore, Fakelore, Personal Myths Narratives

The Artist Mentor Project, sponsored by the Negri Foundation, invites artists of contemporary arts and fine crafts to submit narrative work for exhibition at the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center in Bonita, CA during November 2023. Suggested themes are Folklore, Fakelore, or Personal Myth, open to interpretation. Artwork may include realism, abstraction, or hybrid approaches, and may describe personal, cultural, or invented stories conceived through personal or cultural events, folklore, fakelore, or myth. Other areas for inspiration include popular beliefs, folk religion, material culture, vernacular language, sayings, proverbs, nursery rhymes, children's folklore, folk medicine, plantlore, or weather lore.

It is estimated that 40 paintings and 20 sculptures may be selected depending on size and juried results. The juror is Patrick Ela, a former museum director, public art consultant, and accredited appraiser of fine art. All art forms (2D, 3D, and contemporary crafts) are welcome except film. All artwork must be original and created within the last three years. Artists must be 18 years old or older and living in the USA or Baja, Mexico. Entry fee is $40. Work samples should include 1-3 images.

The artist reception is free to attend and includes award announcement and light refreshments on Saturday, November 11, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Bonita Museum and Cultural Center, 4355 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902. Museum visiting hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is free. Works must arrive by October 27, 2023, or be hand-delivered October 26-28, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. All work must be hang ready with D-rings and wire. Framed paintings requiring glass must use plexiglass instead. Artists are responsible for all shipping, delivery, and return costs. Sales will be handled by the Bonita Historical Society, which will take a 20% commission. Artwork sold during the exhibition will be released on the last day of the exhibition. Artists may enter work NFS at their discretion.